A PLACE TO GET THE BEST DEALS IN KERALA

Kerala, the land of great natural beauty and backwaters, is an ideal destination for the leisure and business travellers. This small Indian state is renowned for palm-fringed serene backwaters, sandy beaches, world heritage architecture, Ayurveda resorts, green hill ranges, some of the highest tea estates in the world, wildlife sanctuaries and above all for rich cultural heritage with spectacular temple festivals and thrilling snake boat races.

Kerala hosts to a thousands of travellers from all parts of the world every year. Whether it is for relaxing on a houseboat in the backwaters near Alappuzha, stretching out on the sandy beaches of Kovalam, watching elephants in Periyar National Park, exploring the tea and spice plantations in Munnar or visiting historical harbor of Cochin, All Inclusive Kerala offers domestic and international tourists a number of best deals in Kerala that they can avail during their stay.

All Inclusive Kerala endeavors to make your tour full of enjoy and memorable by offering you attractive tour packages that include comfy accommodation, delicious cuisine, beach adventure sports, site seeing, etc at affordable price. We, at All Inclusive Kerala, offer you best deals while customizing tour to Kerala. Some of our best deals in Kerala tour Include: • Wedding tour packages • Honeymoon tour packages • Cultural tour packages • Ayurveda tour packages • Wildlife adventure tour packages

Conducted Tours

1. Conducted Tours Operated from Tourist Reception Centre Kochi

Cochin Sightseeing Tour / Cruise – (Twice daily) 1st Tour - 9.30 am to 1.00 pm 2nd Tour - 2.00 pm to 5.30 pm Fare Rs.150/- per person Places covered: Dutch Palace (Friday Holiday), Synagogue (Friday & Saturday Holiday), St.Francis church (Sunday Holiday), Chinese Fishing Nets with Spectacular view of Willington Island, Kochi Harbour and Bolgatty Island. Full Day Backwater Canal Tour (Daily) Tour - 8.30 am to 6.30 pm Fare Rs.700/-per person. A unique opportunity to experience the beauty of Kerala Backwaters, flora and fauna, Village life through Kettuvallom (Traditional Rice Boat) and Country Boat (Open Canoe) with traditional Veg. Kerala Lunch. The tour is operated at a quite, beautiful village 35 Kms south of Kochi. Tourists are transferred to the village by road. Half Day Backwater Canal Tour (Twice Daily) -(By Open Canoe) Experience the beauty of Kerala Backwater and Village Life 1st Tour - 8.30 am to 1.00 pm 2nd Tour - 2.00 pm to 6.30 pm Fare Rs.400/-per person. The tour is operated at a quite, beautiful village 35 Kms south of Kochi. Tourists are transferred to the village by road. Sun Set Tour (Daily) Tour - 5.30 am to 7.00 pm Fare Rs.100/-per person. Non Stop Boat cruise during the time of sun set in the Kochi Harbour area with spectacular view of Marine Drive, Chinese Fishing Nets, Bolgatty Island, Willington Island and Kochi Harbour. Cherai Beach Tour (Daily) Tour - 2.00pm to 7.00pm Fare Rs.350/-per person. Places covered: Goshree Bridge (By way), Coir Factory (Sunday Holiday) and Cherai Beach. Metro Village Backwater Tour (Twice daily) 1st Tour - 7.00 am to 11.00 am 2nd Tour - 3.00 pm to 7.00 pm Fare Rs.450/-per person. A cruise into the inland waterways of Kochi with enrapture view of paddy fields, Crab farms, Prawn farms, Chinese Fishing Nets, Bolgatty Island, Willington Island and Kochi Harbour. Kalady-Ezhattumugham - Athirappilly Tour (Daily) Tour - 7.30 am to 7.00 pm Fare Rs.900/-per person (Inclusive of Breakfast and Lunch). Places covered: Sringeri Matt, Sree Ramakrishna Advaita Ashram, Sree Adi Sankara Keerthi Stambha Mandapam, Ezhattumugham Prakrithi Gramam, Athirappilly Water Falls and Vazhachal Waterfalls. Kochi Darshan (Half Day) (Twice Daily) 1st Tour - 9.30 am to 1.30 pm 2nd Tour - 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm Fare Rs.350/- per person Places covered: Dutch Palace (Friday Holiday), Synagogue (Friday & Saturday Holiday), St.Francis Church (Sunday Holiday), Chinese Fishing Nets, Maritime Museum (Monday Holiday), Dutch Cemetery and Santa Cruz Cathedral. Kochi Darshan (Full Day) Tour - 9.30 am to 7.00 pm Fare Rs.700/- per person Places covered: Hill Palace Museum (Monday Holiday), Coir Factory (Sunday Holiday), Milky Way Aqua Tourism Centre and Cherai Beach. Tours are operated in A/C vehicles. (All tours will be operated subject to minimum number of tourists) Other Facilities: - We arrange Hotel Reservations, Customized and Package Tours, House Boats, Motor Boats & Car Rentals For Reservations, Contact: Tourist Reception Centre, KTDC Limited, Shanmugham Road, Ernakulam, Kochi-682 011 Tel: +91-484-2353234 Fax: 2382199 E-mail: ktdccok@sancharnet.in

2. Conducted Tours Operated from Tourist Reception Centre Trivandrum

1. Trivandrum Nagara Darsan: Daily Half Day Tours (A/C COACH ) Timings: Forenoon - 07.30 am to 01:00 Afternoon - 01:30 pm to 07.00 pm Departure: (2 times) 7.30 am & 01.30 pm Starting Point: Tourist Reception Centre, Thampanoor Forenoon finishing Point: Museum Compound Afternoon Finishing Point: Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple. Duration: 5.30 hrs. Fare : Rs.200 per person Booking hrs: 07:00 am - 09:00 pm Details of Places Covered Padmanabha Swamy Temple A blend of Kerala and Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is noted for its mural paintings and stone carvings. One among the 108 sacred Vishnu temples in India, the presiding deity here is Lord Vishnu reclining on Anantha, the Serpent. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple in prescribed dress code. Puthenmalika (Kuthiramalika) Palace Situated close to the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple, this palace was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma, the King of Travancore who was a renowned poet, musician, social reformer and statesman. The palace museum displays paintings and priceless collections of the royal family. (Monday holiday) Shangumugham Beach This place is favourite haunt of sunset watchers and beachcombers. An indoor recreation club, the gigantic 35m long sculpture of a mermaid, restaurant shaped like a starfish are some of the attractions here. Veli Tourist Village This popular picnic spot offering boating facilities lies snuggled where the Veli Lake merges with the Arabian Sea. Children can have a great time at the beautifully landscaped garden dotted with huge sculptures. Other attractions here are the floating restaurant and the floating bridge. Museum, Zoo & Art Gallery The 19th century Napier Museum built in the Indo-Sarcenic style houses are rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts. Located near to the Museum is the Sree Chithra Art Gallery which displays original paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich. One of the first zoos in India, the Zoological Park was established here as early as 1859. (Monday holiday) 2 .Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin) Except Mondays Departure: 08:00 hrs Arrival: 9:00 hrs Fare: Rs.500 per person Tour starts and finish at the Tourist Reception Centre, Trivandrum except otherwise stated. Details of Places Covered Padmanabhapuram Palace The biggest wooden palace in Asia, it was the erstwhile capital of the Princely State Travancore. It is situated in near Thuckalay on the way to Kanyakumari. This is a well preserved wooden palace with extraordinary murals, exquisite floral carvings and the black glossy floorings. Suchindram Temple This temple is dedicated to Sthanumalaya (Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma). The 135 feet tall Gopura, 18 feet Hanuman Statue and the musical pillars are of great architectural value. Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin) Kanyakumari is the southern most tip of India, also the meeting point of the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Vivekananda Rock Memorial, 133 feet Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari Temple, Gandi Memorial and Kamaraj Memorial are the other attractions. It is the only place in India where sunset and sunrise can be seen from one point. 3. Pamba Tour (Sabarimala) On the first and every malayalam month Departure: 09.00 pm Arrival: 11.00 am on next day. Tour starts and finish at the Tourist Reception Centre, Trivandrum except otherwise stated. For details, Please contact KTDC Tourist Reception Centre Near Chaithram Hotel Station Road, Thampanoor Trivandrum - 695 001 Tel: +91-471-2330031

Tourist Reception Centres of KTDC

Tourist Reception Centre
Thampanoor, Thiruvananthapuram-1
Phone: 91-471-2330031
Telefax: 91-471-2338550

Tourist Reception Centre
Shanmugham Road, Ernakulam, Cochin-31
Phone:91-484-2353234, Fax:91-484-2382199
E-mail: ktdccok@sancharnet.in

Tourist Reception Centre
Tamilnadu Tourism Complex, Wallajah Road
Chennai - 600 002, Phone: 044-25369789

Kerala Special Kozhi Curry

Ingredients

1.One whole chicken ,cleaned and cut in to curry sized pieces.

2.Coriander leaves [malli illa]- 1whole bunch chopped.

3.onions-4 sliced.

4.garlic- 6 cloves sliced.

5.ginger-1big piece finely chopped.

6.lime- 1/2 a piece.

7.coconut-1 fresh grated.

8.oil & salt to taste.

Grind together to a smooth paste:

12 red chillies, 1&1/2 tbspn of poppy seeds [khus-khus], 2 tbspn of coriander seeds,

1/2 tspn of cumin seeds [jeera],1/2 tspn of turmeric powder or whole turmeric 1 -inch piece, 1 tspn of garam masala [optional] & 6 nos of cashew nuts.

Method of Preparation

1.Soak the grated coconut in 1/4 cup of hot water and extract thick milk.

2.Then add1 glass of hot water and extract the thin milk [2nd milk]. you can use the

mixer and remove the thin milk.

3.Add 1/2 cup of hot water and extract the 3rd milk. Grind and extract.

4.Heat oil and fry the onions ginger, garlic, and coriander leaves.

5.Add the ground masala and fry for few minutes till the raw smell evaporates.

6.Now put the chicken pieces and fry ,cook over a low flame till the chicken is well browned ,stir in the 3rd milk and cook. keep adding the 2nd milk simmer for a while.

[As chicken cooks fast be careful while adding the coconut milk, if you find the water is more in the curry don't add any more of coconut milk, and keep the lid open and evaporate the water.]

7.After the chicken is cooked, remove from fire. Let there be enough gravy.

8.Finally add lime juice and the first extracted coconut milk. [Never boil after the thick

coconut milk is added]

9.Serve hot with parotta or rice.

About Kerala

General Information about Kerala State, India

Location : Kerala, India
Area : 38,863 sq.km
Population : 318.38 lakhs(2001Census)
Capital : Trivandrum
Language : Malayalam
Literacy : 100% (appr.)

Clothing : Light cottons
Climate : Summer - February to May(Max. 33oC Min. 24oC) Monsoon - June to september
(Max. 28oC Min. 22oC)Winter - October to September(Max. 32oC Min. 22oC)
Best Time To Visit : September to May


India`s most idyllic state, Kerala, better known as Gods Own Country, is today one of the most sought after tourist destinations in India. Secluded beaches, palm-fringed backwaters, mist-clad hill stations,lush tropical forests, cascading waterfalls, exotic wildlife, majestic monuments, fine art forms and enchanting festivals give it a distinctive charm. Apart from being a tourist destination, Kerala is home to Indias most advanced society. 100% literate, the State has Indias highest density of Science and Technology personnel, highest Physical Quality of Life Index (PQLI ), highest life expectancy and the lowest infant mortality rate. Kerala to be sure, is Indias cleanest and the most peaceful State.
Tourism is Kerala`s boon industry. Strategically located at the south western tip of India, Kerala enjoys unique geographic features which have made it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia.As a destination, Kerala can attract the independent traveller with its unique qualities like the pristine environment, the rich and vibrant culture and the high quality of life among the local inhabitants brought about by the states investments since Independence in the fields of education, health care, institutions of democracy, social justice etc. The state is also endowed with unique natural, cultural and social resources.

Kerala

History
It is not certain if the region was inhabited during Neolithic times. However, there is evidence of the emergence of prehistoric pottery and granite burial monuments in the form of megalithic tombs in the 10th century BC; they resemble their counterparts in Western Europe and other parts of Asia. These are thought to be produced by speakers of a proto-Tamil language. Kerala and Tamil Nadu once shared a common language, ethnicity and culture; this common area was known as Tamilakam.
The ancient Cheras, whose mother tongue and court language was ancient Tamil, ruled Kerala from their capital at Vanchi. They were constantly at war with the neighbouring Chola and Pandya kingdoms. A Keralite identity, distinct from the Tamils and associated with the second Chera empire, became linguistically separate under the Kulasekhara dynasty (c. 800–1102). By the beginning of the 14th century, Ravi Varma Kulasekhara of Venad established a short-lived supremacy over southern India. After his death, Kerala became a conglomeration of warring chieftaincies, among which the most important were Calicut in the north and Venad in the south.
The Chera kings' dependence on trade meant that merchants from West Asia and Southern Europe established coastal posts and settlements in Kerala. :192–195, 303–307 The west Asian-semitic Jewish, Christian, and Muslim immigrants established Nasrani Mappila, Juda Mappila and Muslim Mappila communities. The Jews first arrived in Kerala in 573 BC. The works of scholars and Eastern Christian writings state that Thomas the Apostle visited Muziris in Kerala in 52 AD to proselytize amongst Kerala's Jewish settlements. However, the first verifiable migration of Jewish-Nasrani families to Kerala is of the arrival of Knanai Thoma in 345 AD . Muslim merchants (Malik ibn Dinar) settled in Kerala by the 8th century AD and introduced Islam. After Vasco Da Gama's arrival in 1498, the Portuguese gained control of the lucrative pepper trade by subduing Keralite communities and commerce.

Vasco da Gama lands at Calicut (now Kozhikode), May 20, 1498
Conflicts between Kozhikode (Calicut) and Kochi (Cochin) provided an opportunity for the Dutch to oust the Portuguese. In turn, the Dutch were ousted by Marthanda Varma of the Travancore Royal Family who routed them at the Battle of Colachel in 1741. In 1766, Hyder Ali, the ruler of Mysore invaded northern Kerala, capturing Kozhikode in the process. In the late 18th century, Tipu Sultan, Ali’s son and successor, launched campaigns against the expanding British East India Company; these resulted in two of the four Anglo-Mysore Wars. He ultimately ceded Malabar District and South Kanara to the Company in the 1790s. The Company then forged tributary alliances with Kochi (1791) and Travancore (1795). Malabar and South Kanara became part of the Madras Presidency.
Kerala was comparatively peaceful under the British Raj; only sporadic revolts such as the 1946 Punnapra-Vayalar uprising and the Dewan of Travancore Velayudan Thampi Dalava, Kozhikode navarch Kunjali Marakkar, and Pazhassi Raja, among others, vied for greater autonomy or independence. Many actions, spurred by such leaders as Vaikunda Swami. Sree Narayana Guru and Chattampi Swamikal, instead protested such conditions as untouchability; notable was the 1924 Vaikom Satyagraham. In 1936, Chitra Thirunal Bala Rama Varma of Travancore issued the Temple Entry Proclamation that opened Hindu temples to all castes; Cochin and Malabar soon did likewise. The 1921 Moplah Rebellion involved Mappila Muslims rioting against Hindus and the British Raj.
After India gained its independence in 1947, Travancore and Cochin were merged to form Travancore-Cochin on 1 July 1949. On 1 January 1950 (Republic Day), Travancore-Cochin was recognised as a state. The Madras Presidency was organised to form Madras State several years prior, in 1947. Finally, the Government of India's 1 November 1956 States Reorganisation Act inaugurated the state of Kerala, incorporating Malabar district, Travancore-Cochin (excluding four southern taluks, which were merged with Tamil Nadu), and the taluk of Kasargod, South Kanara. A new legislative assembly was also created, for which elections were first held in 1957. These resulted in a communist-led government through ballot—the world's first of its kind—headed by E.M.S. Namboodiripad Subsequent social reforms favoured tenants and labourers.

Geography

Kerala is wedged between the Laccadive Sea and the Western Ghats. Lying between north latitudes 8°18' and 12°48' and east longitudes 74°52' and 72°22', Kerala is well within the humid equatorial tropics. Kerala’s coast runs for some 580 km (360 miles), while the state itself varies between 35 and 120 km (22–75 miles) in width. Geographically, Kerala can be divided into three climatically distinct regions: the eastern highlands (rugged and cool mountainous terrain), the central midlands (rolling hills), and the western lowlands (coastal plains). Located at the extreme southern tip of the Indian subcontinent, Kerala lies near the centre of the Indian tectonic plate; as such, most of the state is subject to comparatively little seismic and volcanic activity. Pre-Cambrian and Pleistocene geological formations compose the bulk of Kerala’s terrain.

Topographic map of Kerala.
Eastern Kerala consists of high mountains, gorges and deep-cut valleys immediately west of the Western Ghats' rain shadow. Forty one of Kerala’s west-flowing rivers, and three of its east-flowing ones originate in this region. The Western Ghats form a wall of mountains interrupted only near Palakkad, where the Palakkad Gap breaks through to provide access to the rest of India. The Western Ghats rises on average to 1,500 m (4920 ft) above sea level, while the highest peaks may reach to 2,500 m (8200 ft). Just west of the mountains lie the midland plains comprising central Kerala, dominated by rolling hills and valleys. Generally ranging between elevations of 250–1,000 m (820–3300 ft), the eastern portions of the Nilgiri and Palni Hills include such formations as Agastyamalai and Anamalai.
Kerala’s western coastal belt is relatively flat, and is criss-crossed by a network of interconnected brackish canals, lakes, estuaries, and rivers known as the Keral Backwaters. Lake Vembanad—Kerala’s largest body of water—dominates the Backwaters; it lies between Alappuzha and Kochi and is more than 200 km² in area. Around 8% of India's waterways (measured by length) are found in Kerala. The most important of Kerala’s forty four rivers include the Periyar (244 km), the Bharathapuzha (209 km), the Pamba (176 km), the Chaliyar (169 km), the Kadalundipuzha (130 km), the Valapattanam (129 km) and the Achankovil (128 km). The average length of the rivers of Kerala is 64 km. Most of the remainder are small and entirely fed by monsoon rains. These conditions result in the nearly year-round water logging of such western regions as Kuttanad, 500 km² of which lies below sea level. As Kerala's rivers are small and lack deltas, they are more prone to environmental factors. Kerala's rivers face many problems, including summer droughts, the building of large dams, sand mining, and pollution.

Climate

With 120–140 rainy days per year, Kerala has a wet and maritime tropical climate influenced by the seasonal heavy rains of the southwest summer monsoon.80 In eastern Kerala, a drier tropical wet and dry climate prevails. Kerala's rainfall averages 3,107 mm annually. Some of Kerala's drier lowland regions average only 1,250 mm; the mountains of eastern Idukki district receive more than 5,000 mm of orographic precipitation, the highest in the state.
In summers, most of Kerala is prone to gale force winds, storm surges, cyclone-related torrential downpours, occasional droughts, and rises in sea level and storm activity resulting from global warming.:26, 46, 52 Daily average high 36.7 °C; low 19.8 °C. Mean annual temperatures range from 25.0–27.5 °C in the coastal lowlands to 20.0–22.5 °C in the eastern highlands

Government

Kerala is governed via a parliamentary system of representative democracy; universal suffrage is granted to state residents. There are three branches of government. The unicameral legislature, the Kerala Legislative Assembly, comprises elected members and special office bearers (the Speaker and Deputy Speaker) elected by the members from among themselves. Assembly meetings are presided over by the Speaker and in his absence by the Deputy Speaker. Kerala has 140 Assembly constituencies. The state sends 20 members to the Lok Sabha and 9 to the Rajya Sabha, the Indian Parliament's upper house.
The Governor of Kerala is the constitutional head of state, and is appointed by the President of India. The executive authority is headed by the Chief Minister of Kerala, who is the de facto head of state and is vested with extensive executive powers; the Legislative Assembly's majority party leader is appointed to this position by the Governor. The Council of Ministers, which answers to the Legislative Assembly, has its members appointed by the Governor on advice of the Chief Minister.

The Kerala High Court in Ernakulam.
The judiciary comprises the Kerala High Court (including a Chief Justice combined with 26 permanent and two additional (pro tempore) justices) and a system of lower courts. The High Court of Kerala is the apex court for the state; it also hears cases from the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. Auxiliary authorities known as panchayats, for which local body elections are regularly held, govern local affairs.
The state's 2005–2006 budget was 219 billion. The state government's tax revenues (excluding the shares from Union tax pool) amounted to 111,248 million INR in 2005, up from 63,599 million in 2000. Its non-tax revenues (excluding the shares from Union tax pool) of the Government of Kerala as assessed by the Indian Finance Commissions reached 10,809 million INR in 2005, nearly double the 6,847 million INR revenues of 2000.However, Kerala's high ratio of taxation to gross state domestic product (GSDP) has not alleviated chronic budget deficits and unsustainable levels of government debt, impacting social services

Transport

Kerala has 145,704 kilometers (90,536 mi) of roads (4.2% of India's total). This translates to about 4.62 kilometers (2.87 mi) of road per thousand population, compared to an all India average of 2.59 kilometers (1.61 mi). Virtually all of Kerala's villages are connected by road. Traffic in Kerala has been growing at a rate of 10–11% every year, resulting in high traffic and pressure on the roads. Kerala's road density is nearly four times the national average, reflecting the state's high population density. Kerala's annual total of road accidents is among the nation's highest. India's national highway network includes a Kerala-wide total of 1,524 kilometers (947 mi), which is 2.6% of the national total. There are eight designated national highways in the state. The Kerala State Transport Project (KSTP), which includes the GIS-based Road Information and Management Project (RIMS), is responsible for maintaining and expanding the 1,600 kilometers (994 mi) of roadways that compose the state highways system; it also oversees major district roads.Most of Kerala's west coast is accessible through two national highways, NH 47, and NH 17.
The state has three major international airports at Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode, that link the state with the rest of the nation and the world. The Cochin International Airport (COK) was the first Indian airport incorporated as a public limited company and is funded by nearly 10,000 Non Resident Indians from 30 countries. A fourth international airport is proposed at Kannur.
The backwaters traversing the state are an important mode of inland navigation.National Waterway 3 traverse through the state. The Indian Railways' Southern Railway line runs throughout the state, connecting all major towns and cities except those in the highland districts of Idukki and Wayanad. Kerala's major railway stations are Kasaragod, Kannur, Thalassery, Vadakara, Kozhikode, Tirur, Shoranur Junction, Palakkad Junction, Thrissur, Ernakulam Junction, Kottayam, Kollam Junction and Trivandrum Central.

Education

The local dynastic precursors of modern-day Kerala sponsored sabha mathams that imparted Vedic knowledge. Apart from kalaris, which taught martial arts, there were village schools run by Ezhuthachans or Asans.Kerala school of astronomy and mathematics was founded by Madhava of Sangamagrama in Kerala, which included among its members: Parameshvara, Neelakanta Somayaji, Jyeshtadeva, Achyuta Pisharati, Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri and Achyuta Panikkar. The school flourished between the 14th and 16th centuries and the original discoveries of the school seems to have ended with Narayana Bhattathiri (1559-1632). In attempting to solve astronomical problems, the Kerala school independently created a number of important mathematics concepts. Their most important results—series expansion for trigonometric functions—were described in Sanskrit verse in a book by Neelakanta called Tantrasangraha, and again in a commentary on this work, called Tantrasangraha-vakhya, of unknown authorship. The theorems were stated without proof, but proofs for the series for sine, cosine, and inverse tangent were provided a century later in the work Yuktibhasa (c.1500-1610), written in Malayalam, by Jyesthadeva, and also in a commentary on Tantrasangraha. Their work, completed two centuries before the invention of calculus in Europe, provided what is now considered the first example of a power series (apart from geometric series). However, they did not formulate a systematic theory of differentiation and integration, nor is there any direct evidence of their results being transmitted outside Kerala.The history of western-style education in Kerala can be traced to the establishment of numerous schools and colleges by Christian missionaries.PresentSchools and colleges are mostly run by the government, private trusts, or individuals. Each school is affiliated with either the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE), the Central Board for Secondary Education (CBSE), or the Kerala State Education Board. English is the language of instruction in most private schools, while government run schools offer English or Malayalam as the medium of instruction. After 10 years of secondary schooling, students typically enroll at Higher Secondary School in one of the three streams—liberal arts, commerce or science. Upon completing the required coursework, students can enroll in general or professional degree programmes. Kerala topped the Education Development Index (EDI) among 21 major states in India in year 2006-2007.The University of Kerala's administrative building in Thiruvananthapuram.Thiruvananthapuram, one of the state's major academic hubs, hosts the University of Kerala and several professional education colleges, including fifteen engineering colleges, three medical colleges, three Ayurveda colleges, two colleges of homeopathy, six other medical colleges, and several law colleges. Trivandrum Medical College, Kerala's premier health institute, one of the finest in the country, is being upgraded to the status of an All India Institute of Medical Sciences(AIIMS).The College of Engineering, Trivandrum is one of the prominent engineering institutions in the state. The Asian School of Business and IIITM-K are two of the other premier management study institutions in the city, both situated inside Technopark. The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, first of its kind in India, is also situated here.Kochi is another major educational hub. The Cochin University of Science and Technology (also known as "Cochin University") is situated in the suburb of the city. Most of the city's colleges offering tertiary education are affiliated to the Mahatma Gandhi University. Other national educational institutes in Kochi include the Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training, the National University of Advanced Legal Studies, the National Institute of Oceanography, Central Institute of Fisheries Technology and the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute. College of Fisheries affiliated to Kerala Agricultural University is situated at Panangad, a suburban area of the city. Pothanicad, a village in Ernakulam district is the first panchayath in India that achieved 100% literacy.Kannur University was established in 1996 to provide development of higher education in Kasaragod, Kannur, and Wayanad Districts.The district of Thrissur holds some of the premier institutions in Kerala such as Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur Medical College, Government Engineering College, Govt. Law College, Ayurveda College, Govt. Fine Arts College, College of Co-operation & Banking and Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, College of Horticulture, College of Forestry etc. Thrissur is also a main center of coaching for the entrance examinations for engineering and medicine.Kottayam is also a main educational hub. According to the 1991 census, Kottayam District of Kerala is the first district to achieve full literacy rate in India. Mahatma Gandhi University, CMS College (the first institution to start English education in Southern India) and Medical College, Kottayam are some of the important educational institutions in the district.Kozhikode is home to two of the premier educational institutions in the country: the IIMK, one of the seven Indian Institutes of Management, and the National Institute of Technology Calicut (NITC). Kozhikode also hosts the second medical college in Kerala, Calicut Medical College, affiliated to the University of Calicut. Government Law College is situated at outskirts of the city.district in northen part of Kerala has a University; (This is a multi-campus University having campuses at Kasaragod, Kannur, Thalassery and Mananthavady - The Headquarters of the University is situated at Mangattuparambu), one Government Engineering College, one Government Ayurveda College and several arts and sciences colleges. It also hosts the 13th Centre of NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology). The people of Kannur, with the effective leadership of Mr M.V. Raghavan established a full-fledged Medical College in Co-operative sector at Pariyaram. Kannur Medical College at Anjarakandy is a private Medical College located in this district. A private sector Ayurveda Medical College is situated at Parassinikkadavu.Kasaragode is earmarked by UPA government to establish a Central University and is expected to be operational soon The people of this region depend on Mangalore in Karnataka for medical facilities and higher education.

Language

The predominant spoken language in Kerala is Malayalam, most of whose speakers live in Kerala. Malayalam literature is medieval in origin, and includes such figures as the 14th century Niranam poets (Madhava Panikkar, Sankara Panikkar and Rama Panikkar), and the 17th century poet Thunchaththu Ezhuthachan whose works mark the dawn of both modern Malayalam language and indigenous Keralite poetry. The "triumvirate of poets" (Kavithrayam), Kumaran Asan, Vallathol Narayana Menon, and Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer, are recognised for moving Keralite poetry away from archaic sophistry and metaphysics, and towards a more lyrical mode.
In the second half of the 20th century, Jnanpith awardees like G. Sankara Kurup, S. K. Pottekkatt, Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai and M. T. Vasudevan Nair have made valuable contributions to the Malayalam literature. Later, such Keralite writers as O. V. Vijayan, Kamaladas, M. Mukundan, and Booker Prize winner Arundhati Roy, whose 1996 semi-autobiographical bestseller The God of Small Things is set in the Kottayam town of Ayemenem, have gained international recognition.

Kerala Cuisine

Contemplating the true aspects of kerala culture, its cuisine has also been influenced by numerous its unique tradition. Kerala cuisine encompasses a stimulating combination of vegetables, meats and seafood flavored with a variety of spices and almost always cooked in coconut milk. Spices are used in Kerala to tone up the system and act as an aid to the digestion. The marvelous Kerala cuisine is simple yet palate tickling and distinctive. In general the cuisine is mildly flavored and gently cooked. Rice is the staple diet, fresh seafood, fragrant spices, coconuts; all are part of scrumptious curries. The pure vegetarian curries are gastronomical delights. Kerala cuisine is renowned for its unique spicy formulations and it's breakfast is adjudged as the 'best breakfast of the world'. A favorite breakfast dish is Puttu. Rice flour dough is layered with grated coconut and steamed in hollow bamboo cylinder.

Kerala has a well-developed vegetarian cuisine. You could try out the typical lunch served on a clean banana leaf, which is hygienic and easy to dispose. Kerala cuisine equally excel in non-vegetarian cuisine like `pathiri' and kozhi curry(chicken), biriyani and fish dishes. There are many restaurants serving sea-food - prawn curry in coconut gravy is exceptionally good. Curries are eaten usually with plain steamed rice.

Some of the popular food recipes of Kerala include:

Thorans: It is a fried gravy-less dishes of finely chopped par-boiled vegetables, meat or seafood. They are marinated with mixtures of coconut, chillies, some mild spices, onions and popped mustard seeds.

Avial: It is a mixed vegetable thick dish. A variety of vegetables are chopped and par-boiled then cooked in coconut milk.

Olen: It is a gravy dish of gourd and dry beans and again, coconut milk (a favorite ingredient of Malayalee cuisine).

Kaalan: It is thick gravy made of semi-ripe Kerala Bananas cooked in thick yogurt and seasoned with turmeric, chilly, cumin seeds and curry-leaves.

Pachadi: It is made of vegetables cooked in curds. It has a distinctive tangy taste.

Major cities in kerala

Ernakulam Travel (Cochin)

MalappurErnakulam (Cochin) is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea with Kumarakom and Allapuzha districts on the South, Idukki on the East and Thrissur on the North. The commercial capital and the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala, Kochi, in ernakulam, is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea.With one of the finest natural barbours in the world, this was once a manor centre of commerce and trace with the british, arabs, chinese, portuguese, dutch etc.

Area : 2408 sq. Km.

Population : 2,797,779

Access :

Air - International Airport at Nedumbassery (20 kms from town)

Rail - Ernakulam (Cochin) is a major railhead of the Southern Railway. Main Station : Ernakulam (Cochin) junction.

Other station : Ernakulam (Cochin) town,Kochi Harbour Terminus.

Road - An excellent road network links to all major towns and cities in india.

Ferry - There are two ferry stations in Ernakulam (Cochin). The main boat jetty is one km from the junction railway station and the other is near the high court.

Places to visit :

Fort Kochi - A leisurely walk through the city is the best way to discover historic for Kochi. An obscure fishing village that became the first european township In india, kochi has an eventful and colourful history. The town was shaped by the cultural influences, the dutch and later the british. The result of these cultural influences are seen in the many examples of indo european architecture that still exist here.

Chinese Fishing Nets - These huge cantilevered fishing nets are the legacy of one of the first visitors to the malabar coast. Erected here between 1350 and 1450 ad by Traders from the court of kublai khan, these nets are st up on teak wood and bamboo poles. The best place to watch the nets being lowered into the sea and catch being brought in is the vasco da gama square, a narrow promenade that runs along the beach.

St. Francis Church - Built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan Friars, this is India's oldest European Church. This was initially built of timber and later reconstructed in stone masonry. It was restored in 1779 by the protestant dutch, converted To an anglican church by the british in 1795 and is at present governed by the church of south india. Vasco da gama was buried here in 1524 before his Remains were moved to Lisbon, portugal.

Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) - Built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch. On display here are beauriful murals depicting scenes from the epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, and some of the Puranic Hindu legends. The palace also houses dutch maps of old kochi, royal palanquins, coronation robes of former maharajas of kochi.

Synagogue - Constructed in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth. Destroyed in a shelling during the portuguese raid in 1662, it was rebuilt two years later by the dutch.

Bolghatty Island - This island is famous for its palace of the same name. The bolghatty palace Was built in 1744 the dutch and later taken over by the british. Today it is a hotel run by the kerala tourism , with a small golf course and special honeymoon cottages.

Willingdon Island - Named after Lord Willingdon, a former british viceroy of india, this man-made island is surrounded by beautiful backwaters. The island is the site of the city's best hotels and trading centres, the port trust and the headquarters of the southern naval command.

Excursions :

Athirapally waterfalls - 80 kms

Guruvayoor - 108 kms

Sree Krishna Temple - non hindus are not allowed

Periyar wildlife sanctuary - 192 km

Munnar - 130 kms

Kumarakom - 58 kms.

Malappuram Travel

Malappuram (literally, a land atop hills) is situated 50 kms southeast of kozhikode. Bounded by the nilgiri hills on the east, the arabian sea on the west and Thrissur and Palakkad districts on the south, malappuram is enriched by three great rivers flowing through it - the Chaliyar, the Kadalundi and the Bharathapuzha. Malappuram has a rich and eventful history. It was the military headquarters of the samorins of Kozhikode (Calicut) since ancient times. This district was the venue for many of the Mappila revolts (uprisings against the British east india company in Kerala) between 1792 and 1921. The hill country has also contributed much to cultural heritage of Kerala. It was a famous centre for hindu-vedic learning and Islamic philosophy. Area - 3550 sq. Km Population - 3,096,000

Access :

Air - Nearest

Airport : Kozhikode (36 kms)

Rail - Nearest main railway station is kozhikode (calicut).

Road - Malappuram is well connected to all the major towns in kerala. Karnataka and Tamilnadu by an excellent road network.

Places to visit :

The jama-at mosque - This is an important pilgrim centre of the muslims of Kerala. The four day annual festival at the mosque (Nercha) is celebrated in april. Adjoining the mosque is the mausoleum of the malappuram shaheeds (Martyrs)whose brave exploits have been immortalised in the Mappila ballads.

Thali Temple, Perinthalmanna - The temple is located about 3 kms west of angadipuram on the way to malappuram from perinthalmanna.

Nilambur - This is the original home of the cholainaickans, the oldest aboriginal tribe of kerala. The extensively forested land is well known for canoli's plot the world's oldest teak plantation and bamboo woods.

Tanur - The small coastal fishing town of tanur was one of the earliest settlements of the portuguese. It is belived that st. Francis xavier visited the place in 1546. About 3 km south of tanur town is keraladeshapuram temple, dedicated to lort vishnu and believed to be one of the oldest temples in kerala.

Kottakkal - 12 kms southwest of malappuram, this small town is home to the famed kottakkal arya vaidyasala, one of the pioneer institutions of ayurveda, the traditional system of health and medicine, in kerala.

Excursions :

Kadalundi bird sanctuary (48 kms)

Pazhayangadi mosque

Kondotti (18 kms).

Munnar Travel

Munnar is situated at the influence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, nallathanni and kundala, 1600 m above sea level, this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile british government in south india. Sprawling tea plantations, picturebook towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in blue every twelve years, will bloom next in 2006. Munnar also has the highest peak in south india, anamudi, which towers over 2695m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.

Area - 1414 sq. Km

Population - 1,990,603 (1991 census)

Places to visit :

Pothamedu - 6 kms from munnar, pothamedu offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in munnar. The rolling hills, the lush mountain and the breathtaking scenery here is ideal for trekking and long mountain walks.

Devikulam - 7 kms from munnar, this idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience. The sita devi lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.

Nyayamakad - 10 kms from munnar: located between munnar and rajamala, nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 metres. The enchanting surroundings makes an excellent picnic spot and trekking point.

Rajamala - 15 kms from munnar : this is the natural habitat of the nilgiri tahr. Half the world population of the rare mountain goat which is fast becoming extinct, is now found here.

Eravikulam National Park - 15 kms from munnar : the 97 sq. Km park is situated in the devikulam taluk and is home to the nilgiri tahr. The anamudi peak (2695 m ) is located in the southern region of the park.

Excursions :

Anayirankal - 22 km from munnar

Chinnar wildlife sanctuary - 60 kms on tamil nadu border

Thommankuthu.

Palakkad Travel

The district of palakkad known as the granary of kerala, is a land of valleys, hillocks, rivers, forests, mountain streams, dams and irrigation projects. Situated at the foot of the western ghats, this is the gateway to kerala from The north. Palakkad derives its name from the malayalam words pala (alsteria scholaris) and kadu (forest) which goes to prove that this place was once a beautiful stretch of forests covered with the sweet scented flowers of the pala tree.

Area - 4480 sq. Km

Population - 2,382,235

Access :

Air - Nearest Airports Coimbatore (55 kms)

Rail - Palakkad junction railway station (5 km from the city) is a major railhead of the southern railways.

Road - Palakkad is connected by excellent network of roads to all the major cities in india.
Places to visit :

Palakkad Fort - The old granite fort situated in the very heart of pallakad town is one of the best preserved in kerala. It was built by hyder ali of mysore in 1766. The fort was taken over and modigied by the british in 1790. It is now preserved by the archaeological survey of india. Malampuzha Garden - This famous picnic spot which comprises a dam and beautifully landscaped Gardens, is situated on the lower hills of the western ghats.

Excursions :

Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary - 110 kms from palakkad : sprawled across 285 sq. Km the parambikulam wildlife sanctuary is home to rare wild animals. The rest houses of the state forest department at thoonakkadavu, thellikkal and anappady offer accommodation. A tree house in the reserve forest area in thoonakkadavu has to be booked in advance. The oldest teak tree, kannimari is found here.

Nelliyampathy - 40 kms from south of nenmara: this fascinating hill station is at a height of 467 to 1572 m above sea level. At least 10 hair pin bends have to negotiated on the ghat road that passes through the breathtaking evergreen forests of the sahya ranges. Seethakundu at nelliyampathy offers a panoramic view of about one third of palakkad. This hill country is the delight of trekkers.

Thiruvananthapuram (known as Trivandrum)

The capital of Kerala. Located at the South Western tip of India, is bounded by the Arabian sea on the West and Tamil Nadu on the East. The wooded highlands on the Western Ghats in the Eastern and North Eastern borders give some of the most enchanting picnic spots, a long shorline, with internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage make this district a much sought after tourist destination.

Area - 2192 sq.km

Population - 2,938,583 (1991 census)

Access :

Air - thiruvananthapuram international airport 6 kms from the city.

Rail - there are direct trains to all the main towns in kerala as well as the major cities in india.

Road - well connected to all towns & cities.
Places to visit :

Kovalam Beach - 16 kms away this Internationally renowned Beach Resort has been a favourite haunt of tourists since the 1930s. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The Southernmost, known as the Lighthouse beach, is the most popular Kovalam offers accommodation options to suit all budgets.

Padmanabha Swamy Temple - The temple is located inside the East Fort. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, & a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture. It is known for its Mural Paintings and Stone Carvings. One among the 108 sacred Vishnu Temples in India, the presiding deity in here is Lord Vishnu reclining on anantha the serpent.

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum - The palace was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma - the King of Travancore, who was a great poet, musician, social reformer and statesman. This rare specimen of workmanship in the traditional travancore style of architecture also has exquisite wood carvings. The palace museum displays paintings and various priceless collections of the royal family.

The Napier Museum - Built in the 19th century, the indo - saracenic structure boasts a "natural" Airconditioning system and houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. The use of plaxtic is banned in the museum premises.

Sree Chitbra Art Gallery - Located near the Napier Museum. This are gallery displays select paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich and exquisite works from the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools of Art In India. Other places of interest 1.. The zoological park , priyadarshini planetarium , observatory, shankhumugham beach & connemera market.

Excursions :

Thiruvallam - 10 kms away this serene backwater stretch enroute to Kovalam, is famous for its Canoe Rides.

Aruvikkara Dam - 16 kms away this picturesque picnic spot is on the banks of the Karamana River. Near the Durga Temple here is a stream full of fish that fearlessly come close to the shore to be fed by the visitors.

Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin)

The land's end of india or the point where the three seas meet, is the enchanting kanniyakumari. It is one of the most popular tourist spots in the country. Part of the fascination is, of course, the fact that it is the very tip of the indian peninsula and the confluence of the bay of bengal, the arabian sea and the indian ocean.

Varkala Tavel

Varkala has now emerged as a hot spot destination of Kerala. Being in Varkala is very momentous for tourists who intend to spend time leisurely in the beaches of Kerala. This beach destination is an absolute favorite for tourists, as it is here that one can spend time doing absolutely nothing while holidaying. Varkala is basically a small town perched at a distance of 55 kms in the north of Thiruvananthapuram. However, Varkala is so quaint that there is no indication that this town can also be on many a tourist itinerary.The landscape of this amazing town is what makes the coastline of Varkala exceptional. The beach has towering cliffs that stand like silent sentinels, guarding the sparkling waters. The visitors of Varkala are simply astounded by the unusual land formations, the sheerness of the cliffs and the view that the rocky cliffs offer from its top. Besides, the shining white sands, the sky touching the blue water of the sea, the red soil of the hilltop, yellow green paddy fields and green coconut trees together make a composite picture of the beautiful and awesome nature of Varkala. The pristine glory of the beaches of Varkala remain so untouched that one literally has to climb down the cliff or scramble over rocks in order to reach the secluded parts of the beach.

Area - 1414 sq.km

Population - 157,342

Access :

Air - Nearest International Airport is Trivandrum (55 Kms).

Rail - Alleppy & Quilon is the nearest rail route to Varkala.

Road - Varkala is 54 kms from Thiruvananthapuram and 37 km from Kollam.

Places to visit :

Papanasam Beach (Varkala Beach)

16 kms away this Internationally renowned Beach Resort has been a favourite haunt of tourists since the 1930s. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The Southernmost, known as the Lighthouse beach, is the most popular Kovalam offers accommodation options to suit all budgets.

Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple

Sree Janardhana Swamy temple is a pilgrim centre for Hindus who visit this temple in huge numbers. This temple is built on a hill top that has become a sobriquet for the region. Non-Hindus, however, are not permitted entrance in the inner sanctum but can hang around in the temple.

Sivagiri Mutt

This Mutt is a religious site, founded by Sree Narayana Guru (1856 – 1952), the famous philosopher and social reformer of modern Kerala. This Mutt is also the headquarters of a religious organization, the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Sangham, established by the Guru to propagate his idea of ' One Caste, One Religion, One God'. It is between 30th December and 1st January that 'Sivagiri Pilgrimage' is conducted every year.

Anjengo Fort

Anjengo Fort is the main garrison of the Dutch East India Company and is situated very close to Varkala town. This fort still reminisces the powerful position the East India Company in the state.

Varkala Tunnel

Varkala also has long a tunnel, the construction of which began in 1867 and completed 1880. Popularly known as 'Varkala Turuthu', this tunnel was built under the supervision of Divan Sheshaya Sasthri and was extensively used for ferrying of goods.

Nature Cure Center

Situated near the Varkala beach, this is an excellent destination for relaxation and rejuvenation of the body.

Excursions :

Kappil Lake (6 kms north of Varkala) :

Situated at the outskirts of Varkala town, the lake gives way to the pictorial world of the Kerala backwaters. The scenic beauty of the estuaries of the lake is mesmerizing.

Mineral Springs :

Located near the Varkala beach, the mineral springs are believed to have medicinal properties. A large number of people throng this place every year to drink and bathe in the water of the mineral springs.

Kerala Boat Races

Boat Races of Kerala

Another, unparalleled attraction of God's Own Country. Another great event as important as the land’s ethos as the elephant pageant. A sport that signifies the excellent team spirit, integration and amity of the people of this backwater country. An occasions of great excitement that is a reflection of a vibrant people.The snake boat races of Kerala. Magnificent fiestas that brings alive the tranquil backwaters. Snake boat races are held in connection with Onam, the harvest festival in August/September. Scores of long snake boats and other smaller crafts participate in these events. The largest team sport in the world, the snake boat races are preceded by colourful water parades.Usually, a snake boat is manned by four helmsmen, 25 singers and 100-125 oarsmen, who row in unison to the fast rhythm of vanchipattu (song of the boatman). Thousands of people crowd the water's edge to cheer the huge black crafts as they slice through the waters to a spectacular finish. The oldest of these events have curious legends and myths attached to their origin. Myths closely linked to the rustic people and their beliefs.

The snake boat races of Kerala from July to September are:Champakulam Moolam Boat Race

The oldest and most popular snake boat race in Kerala, and is closely connected to the Sree Krishna Temple at Ambalappuzha. The race is held on the Champakulam Lake on the moolam day of the Malayalam month Midhunam, the day of the installation of the deity at the Temple.Legends say that Maharaja Devanarayana of Chempakasseri, as instructed by the royal priest, built a temple at Ambalappuzha. But just before the installation of the deity he was informed that the idol was not auspicious. The king was disturbed, but his minister suggested an inspired solution. To bring down the beautiful idol of Sree Krishna - presented to Arjuna by the Lord himself, from the Karikulam temple in Kurichi. The minister with a few others went to Kurichi, met the authorities there and returned with the idol. On the way back they stopped at Champakulam to spent the night and perform a pooja. The next morning boats from the entire region assembled to escort the idol in a colourful, ceremonial procession through the lake to the Temple. Years later the pageant is still re-enacted with the same enthusiasm. An exotic procession of water floats, boats decorated with colourful parasols and performing arts greets the spectator before the race. The race proper is held in various stages for various categories of boats.

Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali

The two day Aranmula Boat Race is more a water fiesta than a competition, conducted during Onam. The event is a re-enacting of the legend involving a devout Brahmin who made a votive offering of feeding one pilgrim a day. One day Sree Krishna himself appeared to him and the overjoyed Brahmin vowed to offer 51 measures of rice and all the provision for the thiruvona sadya (the sumptuous Onam feast) at the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. Once, the thiruvonachilavu thoni (the boat carrying the offerings) was intercepted by rivals from another village, but the Brahmin's own villagers came to the rescue on snake boats. From then on the offering was carried by a fleet of palliyodam - about 48 of them representing the nearby backwater villages. (A palliyodam is a large, luxurious snake boat used by gods and royalty.)The event is marked by a colourful water carnival - an imposing effigy of Sree Krishna is taken out in procession on the lake with children dressed as nymphs and princesses. On the second day, snake boats decorated with silken parasols, carrying helmsmen, oarsmen and singers assemble near the temple early in the morning and then move away in pairs, creating a magnificent pageant. The boat race proper is held in the afternoon.

Payippad Jalotsavam

The three day annual fiesta on the Payippad Lake, 35 km from Alappuzha, commemorates the installation of the deity at the Subramanya Swamy Temple, Haripad. The story is that the people of the village decided to build a temple with Sree Ayyappa as the presiding deity. After the temple was ready, they had a vision directing them to a whirlpool in Kayamkulam Lake where they would find the idol of Sree Subramanya, which was to be installed at the temple. Accordingly, the elders of the village with divers and swimmers rowed to the spot and found the idol, which was escorted, back ceremoniously by devotees from the entire region in colourfully.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race

The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is one of those events, which the people of Kerala look forward to with excitement. Thousands of Keralites - men, women and children - throng the watersides of Alappuzha to witness the spectacle. Pavilions are set up for spectators on the banks and in the middle of the Punnamada Lake - the venue of the race.This boat race is so named because the former Indian Prime Minister, JawaharlalNehru instituted the trophy for the winners. Over 16 chundan vallams participate in the race along with scores of smaller crafts like the churulan, veppu, odi etc., with a prize for each category. There are separate races for women too. The race begins with a colourful pageant of floats, performing arts and decorated boats. And goes on late into the evening.

The boat races held during the months of August - September:

ATDC Boat Race, Alappuzha, Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race, Pulinkunnu, Neerettupuram Boat Race, Kumarakom Boat Race, Karuvatta Boat Race, Kavanattinkara Boat Race, Kumarakom Arpookara Vanitha Jalamela, Kottayam Mahatma Boat Race, Mannar, Thazhathangadi Boat Race,Kottayam, Kottapuram Boat Race, Kodungallur and Kumaranasan Smaraka Jalotsavam, Pallana, The Indira Gandhi Boat Race is held on the Ernakulam Lake during the Cochin Carnival in the last week of December.

Kerala festivals

Kerala festivals

Kerala is a land of colourful festivals, which have a long history and tradition behind them. Kerala's innumerable festivals however stand out because of their uniqueness.

Onam Festival

Onam is the most famous festival of Kerala. All Malayali's irrespective of religion celebrates it. It falls in the Malayalam month of Chingam (Aug-Sept). It is the harvest festival of Kerala. Legend states that Onam is celebrated as the home coming of Mahabali, the king who ruled over Kerala in the age of plenty and was pushed down to the infernal regions (Patala) by Lord Vishnu in the form of Vamana.
Onam is celebrated as a national festival of Kerala. It synchronizes with the tourist week celebration, which starts formally on the day of Atham asterism. The image of Thrikkakara Appan (Vishnu in the form of Vamana) is installed in every Hindu home during the Onam season. Children go around collecting flowers and decorate them in the front portion of the house in various designs and patterns. The most important days of the Onam festival are Uthradom and Thiruvonam days. On the latter, a grand feast is held in every home. Onam also provides an occasion for family get-together among the Keralites. It's a perfect example for the religious harmony of the state.

Hindu Festivals

VishuThe first month of Malayalam Calendar is Medam (April-May) and the first day of Medam is celebrated as Vishu, the New Year day. Begin an auspicious day; it is a common belief that the fortune of the coming year depends on the first day. So the first day begins with ceremony of Kani Kanal, which literally means first sight. At the dawn, the Malayali's begin the first day of the Year by waking up in front of Kani. The Kani includes gold ornament, white cloth, a measure of rice or paddy, bell metal mirror, flowers of the Konna tree (Cussia fistula), halved jack fruits, halved coconuts, yellow cucumber, and two standing oil lamps emitting sparkling light their eyes. Another interesting features of this day are Kaayi neetal where the elder members in the family gift money to the younger ones.MahasivarathriHindus celebrate Mahasivarathri, all over the world in Kumbam (Feb-March). It commemorates the day on which Lord Shiva consumed the deadly poison (Kalakuda visham) to save the world from destruction. The offering of special pooja and abhishekhams, and the presentation of cultural programmes in all the Shiva temples celebrate the day. The annual Sivarathri festival held on the banks of River Periyar at Alwaye, is one of the most spectacular local festivals of Kerala, which attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over the state. It has been compared to the Kumbamela at Prayag.NavarathriLiterally Navarathri means Nine nights. This festival is celebrated for Navagraha Naayagi (Nine nymphs). It is called by different names in different parts of India. In Karnataka, it is called Dasara, in Bengal - Kali Pooja and in this state it is known as Saraswathy Pooja. Saraswathy is known as goddess of Knowledge. On this day all tools and books are kept for Pooja. Children who are to begin their schooling are made to write the first alphabet in rice with their finger. Asthami RohiniThe birthday of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great importance on this day. It is held in the month of Chingam (Aug- Sept). Devotees visit the Krishna temples where special Pooja and cultural programmes are held.ThrikarthiakaThis festival is celebrated in the month of Vrischikam (Nov -Dec). Display of light in the evening is a unique part of the festival.ThiruvathiraThiruvathira falls on the month of Dhanu (December-January) and is a women's festival. It commemorates the death of Kamadeva, the cupid of Hindu mythology. The aim of the celebration is conjugal harmony and happiness. The dance form Thiruvathirkkali is associated with this celebration. Pooram Festival - Meenum (March-April)Sabarimala Festivals - Vrishikam (November-December)Ashtami at Vaikom - Kumbham (February-March)
Thrissur Pooram - Medam (April-May)

Christians religion festivals

All Christians celebrate Christmas as the birthday of Jesus Christ on 25th Dec. Holy Mass is held in all the churches in the state. Carol singing, setting up of Christmas tree in all churches and homes, exchanges of cards and receiving gifts from Santa Claus are all integral part of the festivities associated with the birth of Jesus Christ. There is a feast in every Christian home with meat as a special item, and the celebrations of Christmas leave good memories in every heart.EasterThis is another important festival of Christians, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter usually falls in March-April, after 40 days lent of fast and penance. Christians go for mid-night mass, as a memory of the resurrection of Jesus, 2000 years ago.Other Christian FestivalsSt.George's Church, Edathwa - 27 April to 7th MaySt.Sebastian's Church, Arathungal - 20th January to 31st JanuarySt George's Church, Aruvithura - 22nd to 24th AprilSt Thomas Shrine, Malayattur - Last week of March or first week of AprilSt Mary's Orthodox Church, Manarcad - Sepember 1st to 9thParumala, MannarMaramon Convention

Muslim Religious festivals

BakridThe Bakrid commemorates Ibrahim's (Abhraham) offering of his only son as a sacrifice in obedience to God's command. The Muslims enjoy hearty feasts on Bakrid day. The rich may sacrifice a he goat or a bullock and distribute it among Frieds, relatives and the poor. The famous Haj is performed after the celebration of Idul Azha.
Idul FitrIdul Fitr is celebrated after the conclusion of the Ramzan fast when Muslims give up all kind of food and drink during the day and spend the major part of the night prayer.
Miladi SharifMiladi Sharif, celebrated on a large scale in April, Commemorates the birth of the prophet. This celebration has acquired its present dimensions only in recent times. Previously the day was observed by the Muslims by reading what is commonly known as Maulud which is a short treatise in Arabic celebrating the birth, life, work and sayings of the prophet or some saint.
MuharramMuharram is another festival celebrated by Muslims on the 10th day of Muharram the forbidden month, which marks the beginning of the Hijra year.Chandankudam at BeemapallyThe Chandankudam at Beemapally near Thiruvananthapuram is one of the most colourful of Muslim festival in Kerala. It is said to be the death anniversary of Beema Beeevi, a devout pilgrim lady who came to Kerala from Mecca. The festival begins on the 1st of Jamadul Akhar of the Hijira Era (October) and lasts ten days. Carrying earthen posts smeared with sandal wood paste and the mouth of the pot tightly closed with a Jasmine garland around the edges, thousands of pilgrims go around the mosque and the hallowed tomb of the devout lady in procession. Then the earthen port with money is placed at the tomb as an offering.